PNBHS Colts 17 v Napier BHS 0
2nd August 2017, Palmerston North
Any game v Napier BHS is going to be close and be a battle. The Colts game was no exception.
After an excellent pre-match build up, PNBHS started the game in fine fashion with Reif Dawson scoring close to the sticks in the opening stanza with Logan Love adding the conversion. 7 nil after 1 minute.
Playing with the wind in the first half, PNBHS played the game perfectly, pinning Napier inside their half and coming close to scoring on a number of occasions. Every time Napier tried to exit their half, they were turned back through strong defence or expertly judged box kicks that consistently found land, not hand.
At the 25 minute mark Tiwha Rukuwai barged his way over after a long and sustained build up. A fine reward for an enthralling forward orientated game of “bumper boats”. Love’s conversion meant PNBHS went into half time 14 nil up.
Knowing they had to battle into the wind in the second half, both the forwards and the backs knew percentage rugby was a must. An arm wrestle ensued with a kickable penalty being awarded to PNBHS mid second half which was duly slotted. This proved to be the only scoring of the second half.
The rest of the game was played out between the 22m lines with both teams throwing the kitchen sink at each other.
Expert lineout play by Kodie “pup” Albert-Papauni and Caleb Martin ensured PNBHS had a steady stream of lineout ball whilst our scrum was dominant throughout the game which gave our backs a great platform from which to launch their attacks. Openside flanker Regan Fleming made himself a fine nuisance and was busier than a beaver in a woodpile. How well our boys are learning to use the blindside!
This game will be remembered for the huge hits from the usual suspects, Charlie Justice, Tiwha Rukuwai, Nasser Tato, Lafo Takiari and Chance Malu (who’s bone jarring hits in the second half should have made the CGW highlights reel) ensuring Napier never crossed the advantage line or got any momentum throughout the game.
A top performance from the Colts team who made their coaches, their parents and their supporters immensely proud.
